To see life in colors is often a metaphor, but for the residents of Burano, it is not just a simple expression; it is a reality they live day by day. This is because the entire island—a small archipelago of islets connected by bridges—is a universe of bright colors, joy, and optimism, where life is meant to be a continuous celebration.
At least, that’s the impression you get as a visitor. In Burano, there’s no room for gray, black, or earthy tones; instead, you find sky-like blue, blood-red, vibrant yellow, and even pink. Each of the houses lined along the canals perfectly complements its neighbor, creating a natural yet surprising harmony that evokes a bundle of freshly sharpened colored pencils scattered in playful disarray. And if you arrive by vaporetto from Venice, after about forty minutes, seeing them on the horizon instantly brings a smile: it’s no wonder that Burano has been designated by numerous international publications as one of the most colorful places in the world.
The colors in Burano are not random, as one might think. Each group of houses has a specific color pattern, and if any resident wants to change their assigned color and repaint their home, the change must first be approved by the authorities through a written request—this is no joke; the residents of Burano take colors very seriously! But how did this tradition come about?
Legend has it that it all started with fishermen who, when heading out to sea, could no longer see the houses in very dense fog. To make their work easier and to have visible reference points, they decided to paint their houses in bright colors.
Fishing is, therefore, one of the main activities for the 3,000 residents of the island. It’s no surprise that the canals running through Burano are filled with boats, much like a metropolis is crowded with cars parked along the sidewalk. However, the scene is much more cheerful; sometimes the boats—properly registered, each with its own number—are even color-coordinated with the houses in front of which they patiently await their next journey on the water.
In addition to fresh fish—which I’m afraid I didn’t try, as the restaurants seemed a bit too touristy—Burano is also famous for its lace and embroidery, a tradition that began centuries ago and continues to this day, although connoisseurs warn that many of the embroideries are no longer necessarily handmade. However, if you’re not an avid collector of souvenirs, what you will take home from Burano will be more of a feeling: one of enthusiasm, cheerfulness, and joviality. And a desire to embrace life in bright colors as often as possible.
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